First Ever CCJ Referral Comes from Belize

A business dispute in Belize has quietly made Caribbean legal history. For the first time ever, a national court has asked the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for help interpreting regional law.

The case stems from a constitutional claim filed by eight parties, including Anwar Barrow and Aquity Holdings Limited, against the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Attorney General. The claimants argue that the FSC misapplied a merger fee during the consolidation of thirteen companies and challenged a policy requiring domestic companies with foreign shareholders to pay fees in U.S. dollars. They say these actions violate their constitutional rights to legal protection and protection from discrimination.

The Belize High Court referred the question to the CCJ on March 3, asking for guidance on the Companies Act and CARICOM rules against anti-competitive practices. No CARICOM country has ever used this “referral” system before.

The CCJ said it held a case management meeting on Tuesday to set the schedule for the case. The hearing will take place on May 19, 2026, via video conference.

The court explained that once it gives its interpretation, the Belize High Court will use that guidance to make a final decision in the case. “Once the CCJ has given its interpretation, the proceedings are resumed by the referring court or tribunal, which will then apply the ruling to the facts of the dispute pending before it and deliver judgement,” the CCJ said.